This was another first for me. Owls occupy most of my birding. I saw the glossy ibis at a large wildlife refuge in Central New York during a long weekend vacation trip.
Glossy Ibis Central New York
All of these are quite far away taken with a zoom lens and heavily cropped. The first day I was there they mainly stuck to hiding amongst the plants. They were farther away the first day and luckily someone at the refuge with a powerful spotting scope located and let me view them.
Glossy Ibis
They seemed to stick to the island like areas in the wetlands and occasionally on the second day went in the water. They came closer the second day and these images are from then.
Glossy Ibis – Two
There were two of them. Sometimes they were close together and other times they were near to each other, but not that close.
These images are not that great, but I was happy to see them regardless. Maybe sometime in the future I can witness them up closer. Have a great week.
These are the first birds I photographed at a large wildlife refuge in Central New York. After I climbed a viewing tower they flew towards me then passed by. I only had a chance to get off one shot.
Sand Hill Cranes
They appear to be Sand Hill Cranes. There were three flying together. The next shot is an even closer cropped image of the first shot. This is the first time I photographed this bird. As you can tell I am far from an expert.
My understanding is it is the only crane that nests in New York. There are reports in the Adirondacks of nesting sights as well as other areas. It does appear to be not so common to see one in New York.
Sand Hill Cranes
When visiting a wildlife refuge be prepared to take shots as soon as you arrive. Otherwise you might miss out.
I had a long weekend, so I made the trek out to central New York to visit a wildlife refuge. I saw this small water bird that was swimming not too far out from the wildlife drive. It seemed to spend more time underwater then above water, so it was hard to capture.
Water Bird at a Wildlife RefugeWater Bird at a Wildlife Refuge – Is it a Pied Billed Grebe?
To me it is very cute. Can anyone confirm what kind of water bird this is? Is it a pied billed grebe? Have a great week!
I had seen some information online that at least at some point one side of this sign was this person and the other side was Prince Harry and Megan. I was in this area of London for something else so I checked it out. Both sides were the same, so at some point they took down Harry.
The Duke of Sussex Pub Sign – Waterloo, London
I did not see the sign inside either. It was an off time and it looked like they were not serving food, otherwise I would have stayed. I have found many pubs only serve lunch and dinner at certain times. No other Harry related things were visible.
I have heard they are pubs who want their name changed to Queen Elizabeth have to get approval and have an appropriate reason to name it after her. It is said her name will be closely protected. Not sure if it is a good idea for a living person to have their likeness on a pub. I have seen another pub with a living member of the royal family’s likeness on it. What do you think?
While kayaking a lake that is mostly shallow, I saw this osprey hanging out there. I think it flies between another body of water and this one. It seemed to come back to the same area of the lake when it caught the fish.
Osprey with Fish
I did see it splash into the water on the other side of the lake before it flew back in circles with a fish. Lucky for me that it landed nearby.
Osprey with Fish
Look at those talons speared into the fish. I am assuming the fish is already dead.
Osprey with Fish
He seemingly holds on with one foot. This was a cloudy day and very windy. Sitting in my kayak to try to take shots was far from steady. I’m still okay with these. Here’s hoping to see one dive in close by in the future. Have a great weekend.
Kingfishers in New York , known as belted kingfishers, are less colourful than the kingfishers in England (common kingfishers). They are interesting to watch. They are very skittish though and do not let you come to0 close usually. I was kayaking on a windy day and was surprised when this one let me drift closer than usual. It was not until I got home and looked at the images on my computer that I may have seen why.
Kingfisher Stuck in Fishing Line- This was on one tree down over the water
This kingfisher seemingly has a fishing line attached to it. It did fly from tree to tree overhanging the water and I did see it drop into the water. However, I hope if it needs help, it will allow someone to get close enough to bring it to help.
According to NOAA Fisheries: “Entangled animals may drown or starve because they are restricted by fishing gear, or they may suffer physical trauma and infections from the gear cutting into their flesh.”
Kingfisher Stuck in Fishing Line – This is on a different tree that is down over the water
The lake I went on is popular with fishermen on shore and on fishing kayaks. Although this bird was on an unpopulated side of the lake, those on kayaks could fish in that area.
Kingfisher Stuck in Fishing Line
It was not possible for me to get there before dark today, but I have put the word out. Incidentally, I also have a picture of a turtle with fishing line stuck to it as well from the same outing. Hopefully if this bird needs help it will allow someone to get close enough to grab. The hazards of life for wildlife that depend on water seem to be many.
American Veteran’s Traveling Tribute brings war memorials around the country. They have a Vietnam Wall, Iraq and Afghanistan Wall, 9-11 Wall, plus tributes to those who died in other conflicts. When I heard this was going to be in the Hudson Valley I decided I needed to see this.
Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls, NY hosted this event. I understand Dutchess County arranged for this exhibit to be at the park. Your town, county, etc. can contact this group to arrange the American Veterans Traveling Tribute to visit.
Afghanistan and Iraq
American Veterans Traveling Tribute
The Iraq and Afghanistan Walls are arranged by year of death. Within the year they are alphabetical.
American Veterans Traveling Tribute- Jason Lehto, Marine SSGt. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Tech.
I added this in because I know someone who served with Jason Lehto and from my understanding Jason does not get included on a lot of lists like this. It was non combat yet it was a related to IED or explosive diffusing. I think death by any any enemy weapon should be considered a combat death.
World Trade Center, Planes, and Pentagon
Many locals are on the World Trade Center part of this wall. I was careful not to include people in these pictures and even removed some when they were there.
American Veterans Traveling TributeAmerican Veterans Traveling Tribute
The names of who died in the World Trade Center terrorist attacks are arranged alphabetically. These are the ones who died in the towers. Many locals to the Hudson Valley are on the Towers Wall as people commute from here to the city. Same is true with Long Island, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
American Veterans Traveling Tribute- Michael Finnegan- Worked at Cantor Fitzgerald
Some locals to the Hudson Valley remember Michael Finnegan who grew up here. I’m including his name for those who knew him.
The county arranged veteran’s events at the same time this exhibit was occurring and local county veteran’s related services set up tables.
Vietnam Wall
American Veterans Traveling Tribute – Vietnam WallAmerican Veterans Traveling Tribute Vietnam WallAmerican Veterans Traveling Tribute – Vietnam Wall in the backgroundAmerican Veterans Traveling Tribute
Lebanon
American Veterans Traveling Tribute – Lebanon
Other conflicts are covered with information about casualties, but not names including WW1, WW2, and Korea.
Not everyone can get to DC or other places to see memorials like the Vietnam Wall. Not everyone is comfortable going to New York City to visit the World Trade Center Memorial. This exhibit brings these memorials to them.
For more information or to see where this exhibit is next click on the link below:
I have always wanted to see a barn owl. We do have them in New York, but the Ebird reporting site protects the location of where they are sighted as they do exist, but are rare in the state. Going to a castle in England was my best shot at seeing one of these owls.
Some castles have many different activities to bring in money. They may have tours, host large concerts, put on Medieval or other historical shows, have high end lodging, etc. However, my favourite event to see are the falconry shows.
This falconry show at Warwick Castle does not disappoint. They had four falconers flying the birds. They had owls, falcons, hawks and eagles. Unfortunately it was raining that day. I did remove the raindrops from these photos. However, it messed with my autofocus and most of the flight shots did not pan out. I think the size of the owl came into play as well.
If I ever return to England, I hope to spend a few days visiting this castle. They have many shows and multiple falconry shows a day. I would also like to see a barn owl in the wild some day. Have a great rest of your week.
This great blue heron showed no fear. It hung out near a boat launch. I kayaked out a short ways and it actually walked towards me. It was fun to watch.
Great Blue Heron Flipping FishGreat Blue Heron Flipping Fish – Swallowing it down
As usual these are taken with a zoom lens. I am thinking this is a juvenile. It seems it is not as knowledgeable as it should be in the ways of the world. As much I enjoyed it walking towards me and these are not cropped a lot, I just hope it becomes more knowledgeable about safety in the future. Have a great week!
I do not make restaurant posts too often. I love off the beaten path or hole in the wall places as I usually find the tastiest food there. The place I stopped at last weekend is off the beaten track and has great food. I think Pop- Eez Smoke deserves a shout out.
Pop-Eez Smoke at the grounds of the Patchwork Quilt Farm and the Inn at the Ridge
My GPS took me on a different route from New Paltz to another destination than it has before. When I passed the signs for BBQ and brunch on a farm, I knew I had to turn back and see what it was about. Pop-Eez is located on 2098 Bruynswick Road in Wallkill, NY. Pop- Eez is open weekends 10-3 from May- November. They also do catering for events.
Pop-Eez Smoke restaurant
Their kitchen and walk up ordering window is in the red building, while the indoor seating is in the green building. The offer outdoor seating at picnic tables behind the green building.
Pop-Eez Smoke – quilt inside restaurant
As the first signs show, Pop-Eez is on the grounds of the Patchwork Quilt Farm and Inn at the Ridge Bed and Breakfast. The inn was built in 1796 and is furnished with pieces acquired from that time period and shortly thereafter.
Pop-Eez Smoke restaurant
The Food
I was told no seed oils or processed sugar are used when they cook. They use local maple syrup or honey. They use apple wood to smoke the meats. In addition many of the vegetables they get from the farm or source locally in season.
Pop-Eez Smoke
They advertise as Texas style smoked BBQ. I lived in Texas a few years and found when I returned I had difficulty locating restaurants that offered food authentic to what I tasted in Texas. Pop-Eez’s smoked chicken sandwich tasted authentic, which is a rare find in New York. It is on a farm, and as their sign says organically grown. The chef, Sal, I was told was in the first graduating class of the CIA, the Culinary Institute of America. Sal and Bev run the inn. Sal’s son, Justin, runs the farm and restaurant.
Pop-Eez Smoke chicken sliders
I ordered the smoked chicken sliders, which came with slaw and they threw in zucchini. I also ordered the vegetable dumpling that comes with scallions and mustard. All were divine. I appreciate restaurants that include good quality vegetables with the meal. As you can see I decided to eat at one of the outdoor picnic tables which come with umbrellas.
Other offerings on their menu include: smoked brisket sandwich, smoked brisket tacos, or shiitake tacos. They also have meals that include cornbread which include smoked brisket and smoked pork ribs, or meals with smoked sausage or hot dogs with brisket. Desserts include pie, pastries, and cornbread with berries.
On another trip I ordered the cornbread with berries for dessert. They use hand whipped cream made on the premises for this dessert.
Pop-Eez Smoke – The hot sauce
The chef makes and sells his own hot sauce, which is on the lower end of spicy hot. The house sauce, I’m told, is what started it all. It is cayenne based, fermented hot sauce. No cooking is involved in making it and there are no additives. As you can see in the picture of the bottle, the seeds and skins of the pepper are in the bottle.
The Location
Pop-Eez Smoke
The grounds behind the restaurant are lovely with views of ponds and the Shawangunk Mountains. The Adirondack chairs shown above are on a pond with lotus flowers currently in bloom.
Pop-Eez SmokePop-Eez Smoke – lotusPop-Eez Smoke – Lotus flower in bloomPop-Eez Smoke – Champion the rooster
This is a resident rooster, Champion, who wanders the grounds. He is harmless and even posed for some pictures. They have more chickens penned up near the inn.
Pop-Eez Smoke – Chuck
This is Chuck, the resident pit master, greeter, Maître d’, and crumber. This dog is very friendly, greeted me at my car, sat next to me while I ate (most likely on crumb duty) and posed for pictures. No worries, he is very well behaved.
Pop-Eez Smoke
Supporting Veterans
This restaurant, farm, and inn support Heroic Food, an organization that helps veterans by training them in agricultural trades and farming in preparation for jobs in the food sector. The farm has employed people in this program.
If you are into Texas style smoked BBQ, want some farm fresh food included in your meal, a meal overseen by a CIA trained chef, or want to support a business that helps veterans stop by Pop-Eez BBQ. The views from the property are the added bonus.
For more Info
For more information click on the link below to see Pop-Eez on Facebook.
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